After a cheap classic? It’s hard to go past this generation of Benz
The brick headlight W124-generation Benz seems to have come into its own over the past few years; having observed increased interest and curiousity by the wider market.
The mid-size line of Mercedes-Benzes was intended to bridge the gap between the larger flagship S-class, and the marque’s simpler compact cars.
The W124 was an instant success, birthing a large range of sedans, wagons, coupes and convertibles; powered mainly by inline-fours and inline-sixes (both diesels and petrols).
The W124 shape arrived in Australia in 1986, with the 3.0lt inline-six-powered 300E starting at $80,000; although ballooning to $107,000 by 1988 as options like leather trim and ABS became standard.
1990 saw Mercedes-Benz introduce the 24-valve version of the 300E’s 3.0lt M104 inline-six, with variable valve timing and the extra breathing capacity lifting peak power to a healthy 167kW at 6400rpm.
Build quality and sympathetic owners see the survival rate remain fairly high for these cars, and remain remarkably cheap for their smooth-riding and handsome classical merits.
They’re also heralded as near bulletproof too; known to spin the odometer well past a million clicks with nothing more than proper routine maintenance.
This 24-valve 300E sedan comes to market from Queensland Benz specialists, John Conroy Classic Cars; and is described as ‘very presentable’ with full service history.
It is finished in ‘blue black’ paint over grey leather interior, optioned with a sunroof and carrying a current roadworthy certificate.
There is some cracking in the leather on the driver’s seat and console; but it might certainly be worth investigating as a cheap weekend classic that should hold its value in years to come.
The W124 300E Benz is based in Queensland and is listed for $4,990.
Check out the full listing here!
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page